Grandir UK’s Men in our Business

To celebrate International Men’s Day this week, we are highlighting and championing some of the exceptional men who work at Grandir UK. Across our nurseries we’re fortunate to have some talented men working in childcare, making a difference in many children’s lives.

Today, we spotlight three inspiring men who work in our nurseries, spanning roles from Apprentice to Nursery Manager. We explore the paths they took to get to where they are, the challenges they faced along the way and their thoughts on breaking stereotypes in the world of childcare.

Thomas Shaw, Nursery Practitioner, Ryan House Day Nursery

In 2023, Tom, a nursery practitioner at Ryan House Day Nursery in Nottingham, completed his Level 3 apprenticeship in Early Years Education with Grandir UK and our training provider, Realise.

Tom’s journey into childcare is a unique one, mainly because this was not something he really considered as a career option at the beginning. Tom used to help at a Caravan Club, looking after young children for the day while their parents went exploring or taking part in different activities.

When Tom realised that A Levels were not something he wanted to pursue, he was not sure where to turn next. Tom recalls, “It was my mum who reminded me how much I enjoyed looking after the children at the Caravan club and how good at it I was. She made me realise that this was something that I could pursue as a career option.”

Shortly after, Tom found Ryan House Day Nursery, one of our Nottingham nurseries, and joined our Apprenticeship Programme and he hasn’t looked back since!

In a sector where the workforce is only around 3% male, Tom is incredibly proud to be representing men in Early Years education, even though it does come with challenges.

He remembers “When I started out in my level 2 apprenticeship, it was tough going, I was anxious, and I fell behind in my work. I was also struggling with self-doubt about whether I actually belonged in the early years sector as a male.

“But, with the help of my managers at the nursery and my Apprenticeship programme trainer, who have all been brilliant, I got right back on track and the apprenticeship has really helped to turn my life around.”

Looking back over the last year, Tom is proud of how much he has accomplished since completing his apprenticeship. “I love my job and couldn’t be happier forging a career in early years. Being a man working in a nursery is a fantastic experience and the children love having that balance of genders in the staff.”

When we asked Tom what he would say to encourage other men to pursue a career in early years he shared: “Some of the children in your care may not have a male role model in their life, and it means a lot that I can potentially make a huge difference to their lives at such a young age by modelling what it is to be a good, caring, man. I’d encourage any man thinking of moving into the sector to go for it.”

James Lincoln, Nursery Manager at Kiddi Caru Abington Grove, Northampton

Next, we spoke to James Lincoln, one of Grandir UK’s longstanding staff members and Nursery Manager at Kiddi Caru Abington Grove, Northampton.

James discovered the opportunity to work in childcare at a time when he realised his behind-the-desk recruitment job wasn’t the right fit for him. James shared the pivotal moment where he decided to pursue childcare as a career choice instead.

“I was picking up my son one day from nursery and while I was waiting for him to get ready to go home, I briefly interacted with some of the other children in his room. The Nursery Manager, who was with me, commented that I was great with children. Before I knew it, I was telling her my life story; working in recruitment, not particularly enjoying it, but the 9-5, Monday to Friday role meant that I could pick up my son from nursery and spend time with him on the weekend.

“Then she asked: ‘Well, what would you like to do?’ After a second pause I responded with: ‘I would like to help people.’ She then asked if I would ever consider a job in childcare, a job that helped children become better learners and develop for the future. I’m not going to lie, I was apprehensive at the time – I was 32 and male. A career change would have been big, and would parents even be happy with me looking after their children? I will never forget her response. She said: ‘James, I would love to have you work here. We are a big advocate for getting more men in childcare so would support you through the ups and downs.’

“So, I went home and discussed it with my wife, and she told me to go for it!”

And the rest, as they say, is history! James started his apprenticeship at his son’s nursery and got promoted to room leader as soon as he qualified. After joining us at Kiddi Caru Day Nursery in Abington Grove, Northampton he quickly progressed to Deputy Manager.

Now James is a beloved Nursery Manager at Grandir UK and a huge advocate for men working in childcare; taking part in panels at the Nursery Manager’s Show in Birmingham and London to talk about diversity and inclusion, having interviews with NMT about men in childcare and so much more!

For James, it is working with the people he enjoys the most. Taking the time to see the awe and wonder in the world from the perspective of a child, but also guiding his team to further their careers.

“I want to surround myself with people better than me,” comments James. “It’s the only way you grow and by truly getting to know other people’s strengths, as a manager, I can then get the right people into the right roles.”

Working in an industry that has always been largely dominated by women, we asked James’ for his expert advice on what he believes is the main challenge men face today for pursuing a career in childcare. This was his response:

“I believe it’s the stigma. Unfortunately, parents still have old fashioned views on who should be caring for their children. This can make men feel isolated, especially in a profession that is largely driven by women.

“However, we can tackle this with the help of nursery teams and the leadership. I have been very lucky that by working for Grandir UK I’ve had the support from managers and the support office to progress my career to where I am today; and we need to continue that.

“Men are championed for being stay at home dads, so why should childcare be any different? For any man wanting to pursue a career in childcare I say give it a go! Do what you love! The reality is that the industry needs you and what you have to offer.”

David Evans, Nursery Manager at Kiddi Caru Sowton, Exeter

Finally, we spoke to David Evans, a Nursery Manager at Grandir UK who also has a remarkable and unexpected journey into childcare.

David grew up in a large family (his mum being one of 11 siblings!) and David often found himself looking after the younger members of the family. After school, David wasn’t too sure what career to pursue so decided to spend some time teaching in Spain.

“I took a chance on an assistant teaching role in Spain,” says David. “Helping Spanish children learn English, that experience was eye-opening. I fell in love with teaching and seeing the positive impact language had on children’s lives.”

Two years later, David decided to travel back to the UK and give nursery teaching a go and applied for an apprenticeship at a local nursery.

“I still remember the nursery manager calling me after I applied, surprised to see a male applicant for an apprenticeship. I was nervous as the only male staff member in the building, but I quickly realised my skills and experience would speak for themselves.”

“Unfortunately, there’s still some stigma around men working in childcare, although it’s gradually getting better. Early in my career, I faced this stigma more often, but working at Grandir UK with so many other incredible men and women, and as a manager now, I feel it less.” David confides.

For David there is nothing more rewarding seeing the joy on the children’s faces. “When I walk into the playrooms, my mission is to put a smile on each child’s face. There’s nothing quite like the bond you build and knowing you’ve helped create a happy, supportive environment where they can thrive.”

As always, we wanted to hear what David would say to men who are considering a career in early years childcare:

“I would say that if you’re kind-hearted, interested in children’s learning and development, and willing to have fun and even make a fool of yourself sometimes, then you’ll do great!

“I chose this career not just because I was excited by it and love children, I also want to be the best father I can be, and children continually surprise me, so I feel ready for anything.”

We believe in opportunities for everyone

At Grandir UK, we are proud to have many male colleagues working in our settings and delivering incredible childcare every day. We see the unique set of skills the individual can bring to this sector, regardless of their gender or background and we are committed to supporting more men into our rewarding sector.

If you are looking to start, or progress your career in childcare, then we would love to have you join our team! We provide support for everyone at every stage of their career; whether that’s at the apprenticeship stage or managerial level.

Find out more about our professional development opportunities, apprenticeships, or find a role in a nursery near you. Discover how Grandir UK can help you grow to reach your full potential.